Touching down in Paris, the City of Light, felt like a dream come true. After a seamless transfer to our hotel, we had the rest of the day to explore at our leisure. Once settled in, we eagerly anticipated our evening plans—a captivating dinner cruise along the Seine River, where we would dine against the stunning backdrop of Parisian landmarks illuminated by the night sky. The perfect start to our Parisian adventure.

Tips and Details:

Upon our arrival at the airport, we were warmly greeted by a driver who took us directly to our hotel, the Novotel Paris Porte De Versailles, which we had conveniently booked through Priceline. The driver, whom we arranged via the Viator app, was exceptional—both friendly and helpful. Later that evening, we embarked on a memorable dinner cruise. Below, we've detailed the activities we enjoyed and the methods we used to book each experience.

Airline

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland. Our First International Flight with Aer Lingus.

Flight: Chicago O'Hare to Charles de Gaulle

Booking our flights through Gate 1 Travel, we embarked on our first international journey with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Aer Lingus pleasantly surprised us with their warm hospitality and array of amenities. From the moment we boarded, we were well taken care of with a continuous supply of snacks, meals, and drinks. The in-flight entertainment kept us engaged throughout the journey, and the meal service was impressive for an economy cabin.

However, the experience wasn’t without a hiccup. Just before boarding, we were notified that our plane had been switched, which led to our preferred window seats being changed to middle seats—a bit of a letdown in terms of comfort. Despite this, the overall service was commendable, making our first international flight an enjoyable experience. Aer Lingus offers a solid option for those crossing the Atlantic, with attentive service and a well-rounded in-flight experience.

Car Service

Viator App

Our driver and private vehicle (Zont Cab) were ready and waiting to take us directly to our hotel in the city. We didn’t have to wait in line for a taxi or share a ride with anyone outside our party. We sat back and relaxed, enjoying the sights of Paris as our driver took us to our destination. The choice to use a private car service, came with a lot of discussion. From trains and taxis to ride-sharing and private cars, the options for leaving Charles de Gaulle Airport are plentiful. Anticipating fatigue from our flight, we opted for the convenience and directness of a private car service.

Hotel

Novotel Paris Porte De Versailles

Our first night was absolutely unforgettable! For our 25th anniversary, Jamie had emailed the hotel staff a month in advance to arrange a surprise with balloons and champagne. They went above and beyond, treating us like VIPs from the moment we walked in. We were personally escorted to the elevator, and as we opened the door to our room, the surprise took Rhiannon's breath away. The concierge service was exceptional, making our stay truly amazing and memorable.

Restaurant

Viator App

Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise

To end the evening, we embarked on a delightful Seine River cruise paired with a three-course dinner. This thoughtfully timed cruise allowed us to savor the enchanting sights of the City of Lights while enjoying a leisurely meal. Seated in comfortable armchairs by the boat’s large windows, we were treated to captivating views of iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower as they gently passed by. The experience included both a sightseeing cruise and dinner, complete with our choice of table wine or champagne—we opted for the wine. The evening was truly magical, and we would gladly do it again.